A jealous man was sentenced to 16 months in prison after throttling his partner and slamming her head against a window, leaving a smear of blood on the glass. Nicky Gould, who was subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the woman due to a previous assault, engaged in a physical altercation with her during an alcohol-fuelled argument at her home in July. The 32-year-old defendant’s advocate explained that Gould’s feelings of insecurity and paranoia manifest aggressively when he is intoxicated, contributing to his abusive behaviour.
Regan Walters, prosecuting, recounted how Gould pushed the complainant to the floor, throttled her, and caused her head injury by slamming it against a window. Despite being asked to leave, he continued to verbally abuse the woman before fleeing in a car he unlawfully took. The police were alerted by the woman’s friend, leading to Gould’s eventual arrest in Neath. Prior to this incident, Gould had breached a restraining order and had a history of assaulting and harassing a former partner.
During sentencing, the court acknowledged Gould’s guilty pleas and imposed a 16-month prison term for assault, breach of the restraining order, and vehicle theft to run concurrently. In addressing Gould, Judge Geraint Walters highlighted the repetitive pattern of abusive behaviour towards partners and emphasized that Gould was responsible for adhering to the restraining order. The defendant, recognised for returning the stolen car undamaged, was also disqualified from driving for four months, with an extended ban to account for his prison term.
Gould’s advocate recognised the inevitability of an immediate custodial sentence and emphasised his client’s need to address underlying issues of insecurity and paranoia for future relationship stability. The case underscored the seriousness of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help. Readers were reminded of available domestic abuse helplines like Live Fear Free and Refuge for support and assistance in similar situations.
The court proceedings shed light on the damaging impact of Gould’s actions on his partner and the necessity for accountability and rehabilitation in cases of domestic abuse. Addressing the prevalence of such incidents, the sentencing aimed to deter further harmful behaviour and protect victims of domestic violence. As the defendant faced consequences for his actions, the emphasis remained on supporting those affected by domestic abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in vulnerable situations.